Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
Christmas Day celebrations will take place once again across the world on December 25, when festive carols will be sung and kids will be delighted to receive gifts.
This week’s Exercises looks at some of the activities that will be held mark Christmas Day in Thailand this year.
Christmas Day has been celebrated in many different ways for hundreds of years in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebrations are largely held in Christian countries, as well as in non-Christian countries like Thailand.
SHINING STARS
The annual Christmas Star Parade, arranged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and provincial authorities, will be held from December 23 to 25 in central Sakon Nakhon.
Each year, the parade of more than 200 cars dazzlingly decorated with colourful Christmas stars fascinates locals and visitors alike. Other activities include a musical show and a stage play about the birth of Jesus. For more information, call 042 711 272 or 042 513 490-1.
SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS
International and Christian schools in Thailand usually arrange Christmas parties on December 24, because the schools close on Christmas Day. During the Christmas week, the schools will decorate huge Christmas trees in front of their main buildings.
This year, Assumption College, St. Gabriel’s College and St. Joseph Convent School in Bangkok will hold Christmas parties, colourful parades and prayers.
BEACH PARTY
Pattaya locals will welcome both Thai and foreign visitors to celebrate Christmas Day on Pattaya South Beach in Chon Buri.
Apart from a huge snowman, a parade of reindeers and Christmas trees, Pattaya will also host a concert. Special guests this year will include popular local bands Yes’sir Days, Klear and Sweet Mullet.
For further inquiries, contact the Tourist Authority of Thailand (Pattaya Office) on 038 427 667 or 038 428 750.
Exercises
Read the story. Then, decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. St. Joseph Convent School is located in Chon Buri.
……………….
2. The annual Christmas Star Parade is scheduled to be held between December 23 and 25 in central Sakon Nakhon.
……………….
3. The contact number for Tourist Authority of Thailand (Pattaya Office) is 042 711 272.
……………….
4. Yes’sir Days, Klear and Sweet Mullet will perform live at the annual Christmas Star Parade in Sakon Nakhon.
……………….
Vocabulary
- carol (n): a Christian religious song sung at Christmas
dazzlingly (adv): in a very bright and impressive way
fascinate (v): to attract or interest somebody very much
